GaleMR

I seem to be on the crest of a wave lately with MM sports romance books. And while I'm still sinking in the terminology, I'm enjoying the new experience, especially when I see the love and affection the author has put into each line of the story. And it really was great - not just the funny banter, but the incredible mix of a little bit of everything together - a shocking bi-awakening, an unhealthy dose of overbearing brotherly concern, plenty of hot football players running around half-naked, and where there are hot players, there are also hotter-than-hell rivalries, camaraderie, and emotions that are closer to the surface than usual as well testing bonds and friendships. But while Riley and Laundry were the focus of this particular story, there was also a constellation of secondary storylines that added more richness and depth to the whole vibe of the book.
I liked these 2 goofballs - Riley and Laundry and the way they dove in exploration. I am also glad a substantial part of Riley's pinning for his brother's best friend was left off page and only mentioned and discussed in different moments. Having 2 queer brothers and supportive family, Laundry embraced his unexpected bi-awakening wholeheartedly with just a tinge of confusion because of the late timing. I had some doubts that there was a bit of demi sexuality mixed in it with the way he said he is Riley-oriented.
As a conclusion, I could say this is a sweet, low angst story full of laughter and fun with heavy emphasis on the idea that everyone has to grab the ride of their life and enjoy to the fullest; follow their dreams/ even against the odds like Riley did it with determination and 0 hesitation/ and just be their true self/ the same way Laundry came to turns with his new Riley orientation/.

This was a really compelling and intense continuation, that started right after when the 1st book finished. I loved the added bonus of Harper's POV which helped me see the story from a new angle and made it even more interesting. The title of the book is spot on - for Ava the new realm is a place of tears, sweat, trials, errors and painful life lessons. Her resilience is mind boggling as well as her adaptation skills and personality strength. What's even better is that we get to see the relationship with Skye and Erritt, forming more clearly. It wasn't a smooth sailing, on the contrary - it was messy, explosive, difficult and they put a lot of efforts to make it work. Harper really managed to rock their new relationship and test it, but it was obvious that he was valuable asset, his feelings for Ava - deep and genuine and his willingness to remedy the damage he caused to Ava's life - solid and sincere.
I rarely like all guys around a girl in a why choose setting but for now these here fascinate me with their controversy and how every event brings a new layer added to the depth of their personality and life experience.
I'll definitely continue to read and follow Ava's adventures. The journey so far is absolutely worth it!

When darkness falls, the lambs know they must hide. Night is for predators, for secrets and lies. But one little lamb doesn't want to hide no matter how difficult, impossible and frightening the challenge seems to be. Actually, this is not a modern retelling of a fairy tale and there are no lambs harmed in the book. This is a beautifully written and compelling dark academy story about one's inner emotional strength, courage and determination to overcome boundaries and limitations while searching for the grain of truth, even when all the odds are against you.
When tragedy strikes, leaving Dominic's family picking up the shards of their lives, a piece of paper sets Dominic on an unknown path. The stuttering, sensitive, awkwardly confused boy, bullied mercilessly at school, who has lost the warm blanket of protection provided by his loving brother, suddenly has to grow up and make life-changing choices. The sense of overwhelming grief and despair is palpable from the beginning of the story and then gradually intensifies with each page we read and get to know Dominique.
His dream of attending one of the most coveted schools for the rich and privileged in his hometown becomes an unexpected reality and a chance to finally find the answer to what happened on the night that changed his family's life.
What Domique don't know, is that everything he believes in, will not only change yet again but his life will literally turn on its axis. Meeting Gael again opens the gates to an all consuming inferno of undeniable chemistry and passion. And while Gael has perfected the art to play with people like instruments, for Dominique this is an uncharted map of s*xual awakening and intense exploration of new desires. The descriptions are exquisite with a touch of dark erotica to them, an intriguing game of domination and submission.
Life could be brutally cruel and ruthlessly cut to the bone forcing us to make painful sacrifices and unexpected decisions. And Dominique has to make a really hard one - stay in the past, grieve and cling to his moral compass or accept his chance at may be love, enter the life of the untouchable wealthy, quietly lock the door to the haunting past and leave the dead to rest in peace.

When I don't know an author, I usually take a peek at the reviews about the book. And seeing the controversial opinions, I was absolutely hooked and hyped up. My choice paid out in spades and I devoured the book in one go. Not only that - I want more! From the nightlife of Las Vegas to the swamps of Mississippi, there wasn't a moment of boredom with this fast paced, quite intense and action packed story. The author has done excellent work of mixing traditional elements of the paranormal world building with their own original, refreshing ideas, creating an alternative reality, where amongst the humans, live The Others - demons, vampires, shifters, Fae, elves. A treacherous, dangerous, cruel and unforgiving world where every step could be fatal and every choice should be carefully made. The only thing that kept the story from tumbling into the dark side, was the incredibly skillful way the author had laced the story with a sweet touch of humour, a solid splash of snark and the hidden Ace up her sleeve. An Ace named Sunday. Sunday was really special and I loved her from the start - witty, observant, clearheaded and resourceful, loyal to a fault and resilient, she rolled with the punches without cowering, taking every challenge in stride and adapting fast. In the span of a few days her life was completely, irrevocably turned upside down - a vampire fiance, a shifter's mate,, missing brother. A fugitive on the run in a world, she never knew existed and with every new thing popping up, Sunday was like : Is there more, show me what you've got in store for me!?!The men around her didn't make her life easier. So I can't wait to see how these clashing personalities will learn to share with each other/without killing each other in the process/ and find a working balance in the polycule. I am absolutely sure there are a heap of surprises coming Sunday's way.

Surprisingly well written smut, but with emphasis on Smut and second - it's taboo which is obvious from the Title of the book but it's not just role-playing of uncle - nephew. It's definitely the real thing. So after these warnings, if you are still here and filthy erotica of taboo nature is exactly what you are in the mood for, dive in - there are so many kinks covered in this short read, my head was spinning. But I needed a break from serious plot and world building, so this story was a very good choice.

Classy, stylish and tasteful are the first words that immediately come to the forefront when I think about this book! The characters and story line were beautifully crafted, a sensual delight for the reader. I felt like I was living inside the book and watching the plot unfold not just being a reading bystander. Meeting Rowan and Andrew, seeing their internal battles and the learning curve of how to trust again was an unforgettable experience.
Even though the undeniable chemistry between the characters was palpable from the start, Ava Olsen gave them a breathing space to get to know each other, slowly building up the intimacy and adding emotional depth to the story. Their relationship starts as employer - employee which gives them time to work out some rough edges of their personalities and the initial animosity and helps the relationship transition to friends and the final touch - lovers. I enjoyed every minute of following this gradually built emotional intensity.

Choosing the Caribbean islands as a place for her story, added one more layer of warmth and color to the story.

For me, there's nothing better than a story that starts fast and hard, hits you emotionally strong and destroys your initial expectations like wildfire. Because neither the characters nor the plot are typical development of omegaverse story/ besides the usual ABO dynamic, this author is partial to switches/You may be angry, laugh, mourn, rejoice or worry, but the book is unlikely to leave you indifferent or bored.

The web of subtle and not so subtle connections between all the characters unfolds beautifully from the very beginning in a dazzling downpour of so many emotions.

The life of Lexi Novak was full of challenges, pain and bitter disappointment. What I loved from the very beginning about her was the quiet strength she was exuding, her moral integrity, courage and willingness to sacrifice her own wellbeing in order to prevent injustice. The short time I saw her working as a teacher in EvilTheDevil/ a.k.a Prendiville academy/, she was like a fresh wind of change sweeping the dusty corridors and classrooms where corporal punishments, degradation and humiliation used to rule unacceptably too long. And even though her choice to start a relationship with a student could be qualified as questionable and taboo, that made her only more human and vulnerable. Because amongst the chaos, darkness and pain of the ruins of her previous life, Matthew was the only beacon of light, the only hint of normalcy in her cold, sad, touch starved existence/there isn't a big age gap and Mattie is older than the other students, so don't freak out/And once their paths collided, it was like watching Domino tiles falling one by one. Because they, banding together and finding each other was like a magical call of a long due union to the Clyffs and Lyalls. Ben, Jack, Travis and Noah had their own sea of regrets, misunderstandings and hardships to wade through but they also had lifelong friendships and bonds - forged and tested time and time again. Lexi was just the missing piece of the Domino that gave them a precious second chance to form a pack. It wasn't easy or immediate but new bridges were built, old wounds were closed and love was finally able to blossom safely. The way the story was written was like watching the sensual dance of souls seeking each other, calling each other in the dark before the sun rises and unites them together in a tender embrace.

If this is the debut of this author, then this is a new era for epic queer fantasy! From the first page I forgot about all traditional concepts of ancient history, lore, mythology and paranormal,down to the littlest detail, with painstaking care and precision, Dylan Drake has created a vast magnificent terrifyingly beautiful world, chilling to the bones and burning to the soul. A world where humans and monsters play a complex ghastly fascinating game of politics in which everyone is a pawn, everything could be bought and sold and no matter how far you run, you can never hide. There is a myriad of characters connected in a web of lies, betrayal, greed, jealousy and ambition . When darkness rules, the light has disappeared and everyone is watching for a weakness. There is plenty of lust and carnal desires but no love lost among these pages.The question is who is the biggest, baddest wolf?
Be aware - there is not only MM but FF as well.

For thousands of years a magical world, hidden among humans, has been a shield protecting Earth from magical beings trying to open portals between us and their realms. Don't drop the book, please, there aren't little green aliens falling from the sky! It's a very interesting, well written fantasy with intriguing bonds between the dragons and their riders with a little unexpected twist that adds even more heat to the story. Because this magical world of hidden protectors is the World of dragons and the families who care about them.

But the numbers of dragon riders and dragons are rapidly dwindling. That's how Kirby - a freelance mage - found himself in a stronghold deep into the heart of Welsh where he had to take a place in a special sacred ritual as the 13th in a line. Nobody expected him, an outsider, to be chosen as bonded to a dragon. But a dragon wants what they want and obviously creating chaos is amongst all the changes that started after The choosing.

Kirby was really blindsided by the way his life took a sharp turn into a total unknown - a loner and a former foster child, all of a sudden he became an integral part of a big family. And if that's not enough - a focus of interest of not one but the 2 most important in this closed off little society- the commander of the flight and his second of command - Cai and Harlen.
It was a thrill to watch the clash of 3 so different personalities trying to find their way in a working relationship.
There was enough angst and plot development to keep me glued to the pages and made me appreciate the way the intensity of the unfolding drama was building up ‘till the end. I didn't expect the cliffhanger but was relieved to find out that the author will give us more of this fascinating world and we will see the development of the relationship between Kirby, Harlen and Cai.
I received and ARC and this is my honest opinion.

There's something about the way she writes that's as warm and inviting as the taste of hot chocolate and the soft touch of a knitted blanket on a chilly rainy autumn day, when you know winter is inevitably coming, as it does every year, but you're still desperately clinging to the last remnants of hot summer nights. The Boxer gives me just such vibes - full of sweet comfort and bitter sadness mixed in a cocktail of so many different emotions - the crippling pain, the deep sense of loss, the overwhelming sadness , the rough edges of regret, the hot rage bubbling just beneath the surface, the unsettling sense of unease and enveloping it all the strongest bond of love. Love in all its colourful variety - the love of friendship that resists hardship and challenge, the love of surviving siblings/like Ferg and his sister/ who stand by each other at every turn, the love and loyalty of family found.
I haven't read all of this author's books, but of the ones I know, this one has the strongest emotional impact so far. It is heartfelt, thoughtful and unforgettable. And the pinnacle of all the emotional turmoil packed into the book is the relationship between Ferg and Jack. When they finally let go, these two truly knew how to love with every cell of their bodies, every fiber of their beings, every drop of their blood. It wasn't easy and every one of them had their own insecurities and struggles, but they had a rock solid friendship to give them a flying start.
Their relationship was based on the kind of deeply realized and mature love that is the fruit of overcoming extremely traumatic events in 1 person's life; the kind of events that leave a soul scarred, distrusting and closed off.
It wasn't just a book, it was a bone deep feeling of satisfaction when they found their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I almost gave up reading reverse harem and this story really surprised me in a good way. I knew it's a spin off of another series but I haven't had any hardships to truly immerse in Helena's story and enjoy every page of the book. And what a relief - no whiny damsel in distress who needs saving. Helena was a strong personality with impressively sharp intelligence, tenacious, resourceful, full of surprises. As a lover of stories of the Otherworld, Hell and Lucifer I really appreciated the originality of the world building here. Add to that all the twists, the banter and the black humour and it was a great entertainment. The book is heavily plot driven, slow burnish so the relationships between all the characters were definitely on the down low.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Hmmm, the question is where to start here....This is definitely not a romance and even more so not a story with a HEA. It's actually a perfect example why I love Nicholas Bella's books - they are like electrical high voltage for the mind and imagination. So back to the story - it's a brutal, dark postapocaliptic or dystopian world with paranormal elements where vampires, dragons and werewolves rule and humans are turned into prey. Without matching strengths- magical and physical, humanity is actually doomed. In this bleak horror like new reality, Noel is a leader of one of the Resistance groups. Until he wasn't- betrayal by his best friend led to his capture and as a punishment he was turned into the very thing he loathes and fights against - a vampire. And not just any vampire but one of the elites under Theoden's wing. The story is drenched into heavy humiliation, torture and degradation and followed the total annihilation of everything human left in Noel - until what was left was only the shell and it was used as a vessel for Theoden's twisted sick plans and games. Definitely check the TW - there isn't a drop of light here. But this is the beauty of a really pitch black, very interesting and complicated world building. And if you aren't a fan of other bodily fluids being used and flying around, this is a last warning. Proceed with caution and happy reading!

If the beginning of the Blood brothers duet was intense, the second book brings real emotional wreckage. It's like helplessly watching a train crash without any hope to stop it!
It's packing even more heat and the tension is off the charts. We have a new Elvi here - one that saw the ugly face of betrayal that Link, Cam and Rory cooked in not very well thought and planned attempt to find and save Kelly. The new Elvi not only has shown a will of steel, has formed a deep bond with her wolf but is no longer a silent pawn in someone else's game or more someones. This book is darker than the first one, contains a kaleidoscope of new twists and revelations. But amidst the river of blood and heartache, there were some sweet moments to counter the feel of loss and bitterness - Elvi forms and strengthens her bond with her first love - the deadly assassin Arben Marku and finds an unexpected new bond, new love and new ally - Kelly.
2 omegas in the core of one dysfunctional pack - the alphas have a lot of grovelling to prove their worth.

This book is what I was looking for, for a long time and it really delivers a high octane cocktail of wholesome characters with interesting backgrounds, plot twists and well thought world building.
It opens yawning abyss of regrets, misunderstandings and wrong decisions, skillfully woven in the plot like colorful pieces of a quilt - so different but inexplicably seamlessly fitting together. So much pain, hurt and suppressed desire are dripping from the severed connections between Quinn, Sebastian and Payton. The calm in this turbulent storm, the safe harbour for all of them is Will. Different threads - different reasons- different events lead to an unexpected result - 4 men tangled together in a web of so many complicated feelings that have to be sorted out before a polycule could be build up on a healthy foundation. And all of this wrapped around additional plot - a dead body dropped in the middle of the night starts a chain reaction of intertwined events. The most important question when threats, unanswered questions and bullets start flying is will the past repeat itself or not? Will the trust be enough now to save the new fragile bonds Payton, Will, Quinn and Sebastian are still testing and figuring out?
Gripping, emotional, heartfelt - a lot of things could be said about this story but I know that polyamory isn't everyone's cup of tea. I love it when there is a web of relationships, all interconnected, so I really, really enjoyed every minute of reading it.

Me and my craving for engaging, intense and interesting world building, tinged with dark and having a sharp bite, this time around led me to discover a new gem - Evelyn Silver and the Bloodline Chronicles. The story and the plot drew me in to the point that I completely lost track of time and finished it in a matter of hours. It has everything I love about fantasy world building - bonus points for the original twist on the classic depiction of witches, vampires and hunters, the overt bisexuality of the main characters and a female protagonist with a clear command and understanding of her powers, not a helpless damsel in distress - a witch with good judgement of the battles she chooses. Sarai is an intriguing box of surprises and secrets that I can't wait to see more of. This is one of my truly rare dips into sapphic romance and I'm very pleased with my choice to give this author a chance. It was totally worth it.

Beautiful, angsty, painfully insightful journey into the intricacies of the human mind and soul. It's the journey of 3 people so different but simultaneously undeniably so alike! And every one of them had to walk his own path of torns, fighting his own demons while searching the others who complete the circle. Tom and Cass are in a long-term but open relationship. While they love each other to pieces and have undeniable chemistry, Cass and Tom are still trying to figure out what is the missing link in their bond. And Tom accidentally finds it - Jake is like a brightly burning falling star, hurtling through the darkness to her imminent demise, his silent call of distress pulls the strings to Tom's soul who loves to fix broken people and gives them the chance to fly again - whole and healed. Slowly, gently and carefully, Tom is able to break down the walls Jake built around himself in a desperate attempt to hide himself from more heartache and rejection. Little by little, step by step Tom, Jake and Cass discover a new harmonious rhythm in a 3way relationship. And this is the tale about finding the courage to trust, love and rely on each other implicitly.
Thank you, Garrett Leigh, for not just writing, but painting one marvellous, realistic, touching the heart picture of this fascinating story.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

Very often when I see conflicting opinions about 1 book, it motivates me to read it. I don't regret even 1 minute spent reading as this turned out to be my favorite book series afterwards.
Where to start? What drew me in and kept me going was the emotional intensity of the story, next was the multi-layered characters. At first I was quite confused as I read, but gradually every fine detail, every piece of the puzzle fell into place to build a gritty, dark, complex, deliciously dirty world where nothing is only black or white.

This was utterly fascinating to read! Nicholas Bella has a tendency to torture their characters, break them to pieces before rebuilding them back together which is exactly what happened to Brian - the average patrolling cop turned powerful demon. The first few books follow his awakening as a baby demon, his reluctance to accept the changes in his life and the slow sinking in the treacherous waters of the demonic politics, the two-faced games and the almost undetectable slide of his humanity, replaced by his new demon self. I loved the gripping intensity and the dark erotica feel, the brutality of the harsh, unforgiving rules of the demon hierarchy where the lines between prey and predator blur. While in some situations, you feel like a king, in others you are the dirt under the show of someone more powerful than you. And Brian definitely had some though, painful lessons to swallow/ literally/ before accepting his new position. I have no doubt the continuation will be no less a punch in the face kind of read. It's a dark erotica with dub con and other triggers so be aware before taking the stroll, down this particular alley.

This is the second paranormal book by this author I've read so far, and I really enjoyed the world building - engaging, intriguing with the added bonus of a “found family” vibe. The characters I love from her other books were also included into the story, making it even more complex.
Ambition, malevolence and cruelty have drawn 2 people into an endless cycle of heartbreak and pain. One, cursed to walk the Earth, carrying the burden of a thousand years of loneliness and all the lives lost, and the other, caught in the snare of reincarnation, meet again in yet another lifetime, but will love be enough to set them free this time? This is a heavy, emotionally charged story with many poignant and heartfelt moments. Usually we don't realize the value of what we have until it slips from our hands or the moment for action has passed, but these two characters have walked the path of redemption for so long, picking up the shattered pieces of all their previous lives, that they are acutely aware of how precious the moments, nature and fate have given them are and waste no time in snatching them up. I'm not a fan of insta love, but while this story, contains glimpses of it, the meaning, hidden inside of it, has much more depth. I think the soulful connection between Jaden and Locke, their love for each other, that has withstood the test of time, was masterfully woven into the plot, hinting at the bigger surprises yet to come. It was interesting to read and I look forward to seeing the continuation.

A feeling of deep relief prevailed when I finished reading. And while I would have loved more Jacob books, the author has put this character through such a cruel, mentally, physically and emotionally draining ordeal, that I was more than satisfied with his HEA. JL. North has incredible writing talent and a terrifying imagination when he creates ways to torture his characters, shatter them to pieces and then rebuild them as new people after a total personal transformation. I loved the non con/dub con elements waved seamlessly into the plot creating a chiling, original thriller story with distinct erotic elements.

If you like your books dark and twisted, you definitely need to read this insanely depraved, gritty and disturbing variation of Jacob's final story. And while I was somehow prepared that the plot will turn nasty, it greatly surpassed even my expectations for what dark is. Even though I am aware that this is a fictional story, the way the plot is written was so terrifyingly realistic, I could feel the emotional impact while reading. One the things that affected me the most, was the way Jacob was observing and analysing his own chances of survival, how painfully aware he was of the hopelessness of his situation and the fact that everything happening to him was in plain sight, while the people around him where busy with their lives, not knowing of the dangers and the predators lurking around them. Two parallel worlds coexisting together - never quite touching and never quite separating - money and power the only criteria who sets the rules and who obeys. Surrounded by people and so, so excruciatingly, achingly alone in his pain and suffering.

When one of the queens of smut in MM romance delivers a scorchingly hot and slightly taboo story that makes the sand beneath your feet melt and your heart dance happily, you have no choice but to dive in and enjoy every moment of it! The most surprising thing for me was that the book walks a very delicate line considering the backgrounds of all the parties involved, but the author handled it perfectly. The end result was an amazing combination of kinky, raunchy romance written in a loving, wholesome way. The relationships and connections between all the main characters were clear, the lines completely clean , and everyone involved over the age of 18. I love stories that present good, positive communication between the main characters without evasiveness, mincing words or guessing games. You want it - fight for it! If you can't talk explicitly, it means you're not ready for that kind of commitment and s€xual exploration! /For the tender age of 19, Nicky was an excellent example of playfulness, maturity and ability to express his needs/. The story not only had spice, but all of the above together! And the bonus epilogue? You definitely don't want to miss the Christmas themed role play between three consenting partners.

Merged review:

When one of the queens of smut in MM romance delivers a scorchingly hot and slightly taboo story that makes the sand beneath your feet melt and your heart dance happily, you have no choice but to dive in and enjoy every moment of it! The most surprising thing for me was that the book walks a very delicate line considering the backgrounds of all the parties involved, but the author handled it perfectly. The end result was an amazing combination of kinky, raunchy romance written in a loving, wholesome way. The relationships and connections between all the main characters were clear, the lines completely clean , and everyone involved over the age of 18. I love stories that present good, positive communication between the main characters without evasiveness, mincing words or guessing games. You want it - fight for it! If you can't talk explicitly, it means you're not ready for that kind of commitment and s€xual exploration! /For the tender age of 19, Nicky was an excellent example of playfulness, maturity and ability to express his needs/. The story not only had spice, but all of the above together! And the bonus epilogue? You definitely don't want to miss the Christmas themed role play between three consenting partners.

The moment I saw : “Every day, pieces of my home, my life, are chipped away by time's insistent chisel.”, I was 100% sure this's going to be one of these unforgettable, heart-piercing books that will leave a blazing trail behind in my memory and hold a special place amongst my favorite books. And I wasn't wrong. The author has done really outstanding work in creating and piecing together such a complex, vibrant, colorful world with so many races invading Earth after the Veil has fallen. Humanity as always is well represented in a convincing, rather realistic way in its complicated dichotomy.

Despite the difficulties, the challenges and the obstacles, people and monsters have found their new way of living on a planet, ravaged by neverending wars. The masterful descriptions are boosting the fast paced plot line and enhancing the emotional experience while the imagination walks page by page, meeting more and more intriguing details with each new chapter.

The moral dilemma who is actually the real monster in this dystopian, post apocalyptic world adds additional suspense element because after the initial invasion and the clash between the new species and the old ones who already leave on Earth, the whole picture have somehow dramatically changed.

The concept of fated mates and how their existence could turn the tides and unite invaders and survivors is implemented from the start and is the foundation on which the whole plot is built on. Ronan is one of these endearing kind of characters whose personality and temperament are simultaneously charming and infuriating and make the reading one better and very interesting experience. Coupled with all the sass and brass, one little human can contain /Cameron/ and the adventure quickly turns laugh-out-loud ridiculously sweet, spicy and addictive.

I can't imagine how it could get any better, but I have no doubts, the author has one/two more Aces, hidden to make the next book even more interesting.

Let's talk about Onyx - the precious stone, black as night, but so beautiful. I have no idea how Thea Ravin got the idea for the symbolic meaning behind the name of her female beta-character, but it fits better than a glove; it fits like magic. Onyx is associated with the night, symbolizing strength, perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges. It is believed to absorb negative energy and provide emotional and physical strength to its owner. Our beta-girl is just like the gemstone - a fierce protector, headstrong and passionate in her beliefs; a hardworking, observant, quiet personality. Her only problems - unfortunately more than one - are a father who did his best to plant poisonous seeds of her own self-worth, thus chipping away large chunks of her confidence and brightness, and a sister who is an evil incarnate - an odd combination of Cruella de Vil, Lady Tremaine / Cinderella's stepmother / and Gothel / Rapunzel's stepmother/. Yes, Silver - Onyx's sister - had an evil streak as wide as the River Styx in her tiny Omega body. After the death of their parents, which Onyx had been led to believe was her fault, she had been the sole breadwinner for the two of them. But even in those darkest of times, living in poverty and wallowing in misery, Onyx never lost her inner goodness and light. And not only that, she saved a homeless man on the street. Amazing! The girl who had never received kindness, care and warmth, found the strength to help someone else.
I was intrigued by the plot of this convoluted and sad Cinderella-like story and secretly hoping that the sun will rise on her street. Right? But No - it was probably too much to hope. The twists in the story were definitely good though.The homeless guy Onyx saved turned into a key figure in a complicated game of chess with stakes far beyond the usual risks. Even after the revelation of his true identity, Onyx chose to stay by him - to help him get his fairytale, face the past, build the burnt bridges of trust and have a future. Time and time again, I watched Onyx give pieces of her heart and her selfless love and wondered will there be anything left of her at the end!?!!Behind the glittering curtains of a life Onyx has never even dreamed about, she saw the real ugliness, the bitter truths, the sinister lies, the cruel bargains.
This story is a jarring reminder that our expectations and the following results not always align and sometimes the happily ever after is questionably happy. And that's exactly why I liked the book - it wasn't a perfect and glossy happy ending, there were so many bumps on the road to it. Was this pack actually a good fit for Onyx? Did they grovel enough? Did they finally accept her for her own value or...?So many questions in one short, intense and twisted reading adventure.

I love Michelle's fictional world and Dremest - the town, where all of her triads has found their HEA so far. I love the impeccably good storytelling and how emotionally charged it is. But I have a softer spot for the darker side and East Dremest, where the sinfully tempting, drop dead gorgeous mafia boss Jordan Altair Senior rules.
In order for the reader to understand the motivation behind Jordan's actions, life choices and the complicated father-son connection with JJ, prior reading of the other books in The ties that bind is essential. For me, personally, this isn't an angsty, heavy story, but it depends on what everyone defines as dark and triggering.
Jordan is a complex, intriguing man and despite his bloody hands and mafia involvement, he has an ironclad moral code, fierce protective nature and values family above everything. Betrayal - in his business or family circle - means only one thing - Death and he was forced to make this dreadful decision twice in his life. And this hard decision has taken a toll on this tough, distrustful man. Finding not one but 2 men to love and be loved in return - Vail and Hartley -gave me a warm feeling of satisfaction, that he wouldn't be alone anymore. The HFN at the end means only one thing - we will have the chance to enjoy this triad more so it's definitely worth waiting.